Mark Ward
Question:26. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in place to increase access to eating disorder services in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26405/23]
View answerThursday, 1 June 2023
Questions (26)
Written answers
The National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders (NCPED) aims to establish an eating disorder network. This network will consist of 8 adult teams and 8 CAMHS teams in line with the agreed Model of Care 2018. These multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) will provide specialist eating-disorder assessment and treatment in the community.
Over €8 million has been allocated for eating disorder posts through our Programme for Government funding. This investment funded the set-up of eating disorder teams (CHO7, CHO4 (CAMHS), CHO9, CHO6 (Adult)). This funding has also enabled the establishment of teams at varying stages of recruitment (CHO4, CHO5, CHO1 (Adult), CHO2, CHO6 (CAMHS)). Recruited clinicians for these teams are currently delivering eating disorder care and receiving training via the NCPED. The NCPED continues to support these 9 teams to further develop services to increase access to both assessment and treatment for eating disorders.
In total, 96.3 WTEs have been funded. To date more than 60% of WTE positions have been filled. It is a challenge to recruit Consultant Psychiatrists and dieticians.
Levels of funding continue to allow the HSE to fund existing teams and to recruit for outstanding posts. In 2023, work will continue to develop staff skills and provide expert training and supervision in line with the agreed Model of Care.